Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An ultrasound system which is used to plan a surgical procedure with an implantable device in an aortic root, comprising: an ultrasound probe adapted to scan a volumetric region including an aortic root; an image generator coupled to the ultrasound probe and configured to produce a three dimensional ultrasonic image of the aortic root; electronic circuitry comprising a 3D shape processor that is configured to: receive the three dimensional ultrasonic image of the aortic root and a three dimensional anatomical model of the aortic root, electronically stored in memory on the ultrasound system; fit closed contour cross-sections of the anatomical model to a shape of the aortic root in the three dimensional ultrasonic image to adjust a shape of the anatomical model to fit the aortic root in the three dimensional image; produce a scaled model of the aortic root; locate a medial axis of the scaled model by determining a center point of each closed contour cross-section of the scaled model, wherein the determining the center point comprises locating a plurality of circles or polygons around an interior of the closed contour cross-section and averaging the centers of the plurality of circles or polygons to yield the center point of each closed contour cross-section; produce measurements of the closed contour cross-sections at a plurality of locations along the medial axis of the scaled model of the aortic root; produce a histogram of the measurements; and determine at least one peak of the histogram; a display coupled to the image generator and the 3D shape processor and configured to display the three dimensional ultrasonic image of the aortic root; and an output at which data corresponding to the measurements of closed contour cross-sections at the plurality of locations along the medial axis of the scaled model of the aortic root and the at least one peak is provided to produce a custom implantable device.
This invention relates to an ultrasound system for planning surgical procedures involving implantable devices in the aortic root. The system addresses the challenge of accurately measuring and modeling the aortic root to ensure proper sizing and placement of implants. The ultrasound probe scans a volumetric region including the aortic root, generating a three-dimensional ultrasonic image. An image generator processes this data to create a detailed 3D representation of the aortic root. The system includes electronic circuitry with a 3D shape processor that receives both the ultrasonic image and a pre-existing 3D anatomical model of the aortic root stored in memory. The processor fits closed contour cross-sections of the anatomical model to the shape of the aortic root in the ultrasonic image, adjusting the model to accurately match the patient's anatomy. This produces a scaled model of the aortic root. The processor then locates the medial axis of the scaled model by determining the center point of each closed contour cross-section, using methods such as averaging the centers of multiple circles or polygons placed around the interior of each cross-section. Measurements of the closed contour cross-sections are taken at various points along the medial axis, and a histogram of these measurements is generated. The system identifies peaks in the histogram, which correspond to key anatomical features. The results, including the measurements and peak data, are displayed and output to guide the production of a custom implantable device tailored to the patient's specific aortic root dimensions. This approach ensures precise planning and sizing for surgical implants, improving procedural outcomes.
2. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the closed contour cross-sections of the scaled model are produced for key anatomical landmarks of the aortic root.
This invention relates to an ultrasound system for generating a scaled model of the aortic root, focusing on key anatomical landmarks. The system captures ultrasound data of the aortic root and processes it to produce a three-dimensional model with closed contour cross-sections at specific anatomical points. These cross-sections are scaled to accurately represent the dimensions of the aortic root, ensuring precise anatomical mapping. The system may also include features such as real-time imaging, user interface adjustments, and integration with other medical imaging modalities to enhance visualization and diagnostic accuracy. The invention addresses the need for detailed, anatomically precise models of the aortic root to aid in surgical planning, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting this critical cardiovascular structure. By generating scaled cross-sections at key landmarks, the system provides clinicians with a more accurate and reliable representation of the aortic root's geometry, improving patient outcomes.
3. The ultrasound system of claim 2 , wherein the three dimensional anatomical model exhibits a plurality of elliptical cross-sections along the medial axis at locations corresponding to anatomical landmarks of an aortic root.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems designed to enhance visualization of the aortic root, a critical region in cardiovascular imaging. The system generates a three-dimensional anatomical model of the aortic root, which is constructed using a series of elliptical cross-sections aligned along a medial axis. These cross-sections are positioned at specific locations corresponding to anatomical landmarks of the aortic root, such as the aortic annulus, sinuses of Valsalva, and sinotubular junction. The elliptical cross-sections provide a more accurate representation of the aortic root's complex geometry compared to traditional circular approximations, improving diagnostic precision. The system may incorporate additional features, such as real-time imaging adjustments, automated landmark detection, and integration with other imaging modalities, to enhance clinical utility. This approach addresses challenges in accurately assessing aortic root dimensions, which are essential for procedures like valve replacement and aneurysm monitoring. The invention aims to provide clinicians with a more reliable and detailed anatomical model for better diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making.
4. The ultrasound system of claim 3 , wherein the elliptical cross-sections corresponding to anatomical landmarks of the aortic root are fitted to an endothelial lining in the three dimensional ultrasonic image of the aortic root.
This invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system designed to enhance visualization of the aortic root, particularly for medical applications such as cardiac imaging. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing and analyzing the complex geometry of the aortic root, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating conditions like aortic valve disorders or aneurysms. The system generates a three-dimensional ultrasonic image of the aortic root, where elliptical cross-sections are used to represent anatomical landmarks within the structure. These elliptical cross-sections are precisely fitted to the endothelial lining of the aortic root, ensuring accurate anatomical mapping. The system may also include a display for visualizing the fitted elliptical cross-sections in the 3D image, aiding clinicians in assessing the shape, size, and structural integrity of the aortic root. Additionally, the system can calculate geometric parameters, such as diameters or volumes, based on the fitted cross-sections, providing quantitative data for medical evaluation. The invention improves upon traditional imaging methods by offering a more detailed and anatomically accurate representation of the aortic root, facilitating better diagnostic and treatment decisions.
5. The ultrasound system of claim 4 , wherein the elliptical cross-sections are fitted to the endothelial lining by recognizing a gradient in the three dimensional ultrasonic image.
This invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system designed to improve the visualization of blood vessels, particularly by enhancing the accuracy of cross-sectional imaging of vessel walls. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing the shape and structure of blood vessels, which is critical for medical diagnostics and interventions. Traditional ultrasound imaging often struggles to precisely delineate the endothelial lining of vessels due to variations in tissue properties and imaging artifacts. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to generate three-dimensional ultrasonic images of a blood vessel. The probe emits ultrasonic waves and processes the reflected signals to construct a volumetric representation of the vessel. A processing module within the system analyzes the three-dimensional image to identify the endothelial lining by detecting gradients in the image data. These gradients correspond to transitions between different tissue types, such as the boundary between the vessel wall and the blood flow. The system then fits elliptical cross-sections to the detected endothelial lining, ensuring that the cross-sectional images accurately reflect the vessel's shape. This fitting process may involve mathematical modeling or machine learning techniques to optimize the alignment of the elliptical shapes with the detected boundaries. The resulting cross-sections provide a clearer and more precise representation of the vessel's structure, aiding in diagnostic assessments and treatment planning.
6. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the closed contour cross-sections of the scaled model are circles or ellipses or both, and the measurements are radial measurements.
This invention relates to an ultrasound system designed for imaging and measurement of anatomical structures, particularly those with circular or elliptical cross-sections. The system addresses the challenge of accurately measuring dimensions of such structures, which can be difficult due to variations in shape and orientation during imaging. The ultrasound system includes a scaled model of the anatomical structure, where the cross-sections of the model are defined by closed contours. These contours are either circles, ellipses, or a combination of both, allowing the system to approximate the shape of the structure being imaged. The system performs radial measurements from a central point within each cross-section to the contour boundary, enabling precise dimensional analysis. The scaled model is used to generate ultrasound images of the anatomical structure, which are then analyzed to determine the dimensions of the structure. The radial measurements provide accurate data on the size and shape of the structure, which can be used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. The system may also include additional features, such as image processing algorithms to enhance the accuracy of the measurements and visualization tools to display the results in a user-friendly format. This approach improves the reliability of ultrasound-based measurements, particularly for structures with complex or irregular shapes.
7. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the 3D shape processor is further configured to make radial measurements from the medial axis to a border of the anatomical model.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems designed to analyze anatomical structures in three dimensions. The system addresses the challenge of accurately measuring and visualizing complex anatomical shapes, such as blood vessels or organs, by generating a 3D model from ultrasound data. The system includes a 3D shape processor that constructs a detailed anatomical model from the ultrasound scan. This processor is further configured to perform radial measurements from the medial axis (the central line of the anatomical structure) to its outer border. These measurements help quantify dimensions like vessel diameter or organ thickness, which are critical for medical diagnosis and treatment planning. The system may also include additional components for data acquisition, image processing, and visualization to enhance accuracy and usability. By automating these measurements, the invention improves efficiency and reduces human error in clinical assessments. The radial measurement capability ensures precise dimensional analysis, supporting applications in vascular imaging, cardiology, and other medical fields where accurate anatomical measurements are essential.
8. The ultrasound system of claim 7 , wherein the 3D shape processor is further configured to identify a three dimensional surface of the anatomical model from the radial measurements.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems designed to generate three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models from ultrasound data. The system addresses the challenge of accurately reconstructing 3D surfaces from ultrasound measurements, which often suffer from noise, limited resolution, or incomplete data. The system includes a 3D shape processor that processes radial measurements obtained from ultrasound scans to identify and define the 3D surface of an anatomical model. The radial measurements are typically acquired by sweeping an ultrasound probe around a target anatomy, such as a heart or blood vessel, to collect distance data from multiple angles. The 3D shape processor uses these measurements to reconstruct the surface geometry, accounting for variations in probe position and orientation. The system may also incorporate additional processing steps to refine the surface, such as smoothing or interpolation, to improve accuracy. This approach enables clinicians to visualize complex anatomical structures in 3D, aiding in diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedural guidance. The invention is particularly useful in medical imaging applications where precise 3D modeling of internal organs or tissues is required.
9. The ultrasound system of claim 8 , wherein the three dimensional surface further comprises a mesh model of the aortic root of the three dimensional ultrasonic image.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems designed to visualize and analyze the aortic root in three dimensions. The system addresses the challenge of accurately capturing and reconstructing complex anatomical structures, particularly the aortic root, which is critical for diagnosing and monitoring cardiovascular conditions. The invention enhances conventional ultrasound imaging by generating a three-dimensional surface representation of the aortic root from ultrasonic data. This surface includes a detailed mesh model that provides a precise geometric reconstruction of the aortic root, enabling clinicians to assess its shape, size, and structural integrity. The mesh model is derived from the three-dimensional ultrasonic image, allowing for high-resolution visualization of the aortic root's anatomy. This improvement supports better diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning by offering a more comprehensive view of the aortic root compared to traditional two-dimensional ultrasound images. The system integrates advanced imaging algorithms to process the ultrasonic data and construct the mesh model, ensuring that the resulting representation is both accurate and clinically useful. By incorporating this mesh model into the three-dimensional surface, the system provides a more detailed and interactive tool for cardiovascular assessments.
10. The ultrasound system of claim 9 , wherein the mesh model is provided at the output to produce the custom implantable device.
Ultrasound imaging systems are used to visualize internal body structures, but traditional methods often lack precision in creating custom implantable devices based on the imaging data. This invention addresses the need for accurate, patient-specific medical devices by integrating ultrasound imaging with advanced modeling techniques. The system generates a three-dimensional mesh model from ultrasound data, which represents the anatomical structure of interest. This mesh model is then used to design and produce a custom implantable device tailored to the patient's unique anatomy. The system ensures that the implant fits precisely, improving surgical outcomes and reducing complications. The mesh model can be refined and adjusted based on real-time feedback from the ultrasound imaging, allowing for iterative improvements in the design process. The final output is a custom implantable device that matches the patient's specific anatomical requirements, enhancing compatibility and functionality. This approach eliminates the need for generic, one-size-fits-all implants, leading to better patient care and more effective treatments.
11. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the three dimensional anatomical model is stored and the 3D shape processor is located on a workstation separate from the ultrasound probe and image generator.
This invention relates to an ultrasound imaging system that generates and processes three-dimensional (3D) anatomical models. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently handling and analyzing 3D ultrasound data by separating the computational workload between a portable ultrasound probe and a remote workstation. The ultrasound probe captures raw ultrasound data and generates initial 3D images, while a separate workstation processes the data to construct and store a detailed 3D anatomical model. The workstation includes a 3D shape processor that refines the model, enabling advanced visualization and analysis. This distributed architecture improves usability by reducing the computational burden on the handheld probe, allowing for real-time imaging while offloading complex processing to a more powerful workstation. The system is particularly useful in medical applications where high-resolution 3D models are required for diagnosis or surgical planning. The invention ensures seamless integration between the probe and workstation, enabling efficient data transfer and processing to enhance clinical workflows.
12. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the custom implantable device is a prosthetic aortic valve replacement.
The field of medical imaging and implantable devices, particularly in cardiovascular applications, involves the use of ultrasound systems to monitor and assess the performance of implanted devices. A key challenge is accurately imaging and evaluating the structural and functional integrity of custom implantable devices, such as prosthetic aortic valve replacements, to ensure proper function and detect potential complications. This invention relates to an ultrasound system designed to image and analyze a custom implantable device, specifically a prosthetic aortic valve replacement. The system includes an ultrasound probe configured to emit and receive ultrasound signals, a processor to process the received signals, and a display to visualize the data. The system is optimized to capture detailed images of the prosthetic valve, including its leaflets, structural components, and surrounding tissue, to assess its mechanical function, positioning, and potential issues like leaks or structural degradation. The processor may apply specialized algorithms to enhance image clarity, measure valve dynamics, and detect abnormalities. The display provides real-time or stored visualizations to aid clinicians in evaluating the implant's performance and making informed decisions regarding patient care. This system improves diagnostic accuracy and long-term monitoring of prosthetic aortic valves, reducing the need for invasive follow-up procedures.
13. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the measurements of the closed contour cross-sections at a plurality of locations along the medial axis of the scaled model of the aortic root are found for different phases of a heart cycle.
This invention relates to an ultrasound system for analyzing the aortic root, specifically measuring its geometry during different phases of the heart cycle. The system generates a scaled model of the aortic root and identifies its medial axis, which serves as a central reference line. The invention measures closed contour cross-sections at multiple points along this medial axis, capturing variations in the aortic root's shape as the heart beats. These measurements are taken during different phases of the cardiac cycle, allowing for dynamic assessment of the aortic root's structural changes. The system likely uses ultrasound imaging to acquire the necessary data, processing it to reconstruct the aortic root's geometry and track its deformation over time. This approach enables detailed analysis of aortic root mechanics, which is useful for diagnosing conditions like aortic valve disorders or aneurysms. The invention improves upon prior methods by providing a more comprehensive, phase-specific understanding of the aortic root's behavior, aiding in more accurate clinical evaluations.
14. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the display is further configured to display the histogram.
The ultrasound system is designed to enhance image quality and diagnostic accuracy in medical imaging. The system addresses challenges in visualizing and interpreting ultrasound data, particularly in distinguishing between different tissue types and identifying abnormalities. The system includes an imaging module that captures ultrasound data from a target area, a processing module that analyzes the data to generate an image, and a display that presents the image to a user. The display is configured to show a histogram, which provides a graphical representation of the distribution of pixel intensities or other relevant parameters within the ultrasound image. This histogram helps users assess the contrast, brightness, and distribution of data points, aiding in the identification of structures or anomalies. The system may also include additional features such as real-time adjustments, noise reduction, and automated segmentation to improve image clarity and diagnostic utility. By integrating the histogram display, the system enables more precise and efficient analysis of ultrasound images, supporting better clinical decision-making.
15. The ultrasound system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one peak of the histogram corresponds to a measurement at a location of a key anatomical landmark.
Ultrasound imaging systems are widely used for medical diagnostics, but accurately identifying anatomical landmarks can be challenging due to image noise and variability. This invention addresses the problem by enhancing the detection of key anatomical landmarks in ultrasound images through histogram analysis. The system includes an ultrasound imaging device that captures ultrasound data and generates an image. A processing unit analyzes the image to construct a histogram of pixel or voxel intensities. The system identifies at least one peak in the histogram, where the peak corresponds to a measurement at a specific location of a key anatomical landmark, such as a boundary or a distinct tissue interface. The processing unit then highlights or marks this landmark on the image to assist clinicians in diagnosis or treatment planning. The system may also include a display for visualizing the annotated image and a user interface for adjusting histogram parameters or landmark detection settings. By automating landmark detection, the system improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces the time required for manual analysis. The invention is particularly useful in applications where precise anatomical localization is critical, such as cardiac, abdominal, or vascular imaging.
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October 1, 2019
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